Simon named CMC president, CEO

The Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce (CMC) announced that Kristi Simon will serve as its next president and CEO, effective April 20.

Simon has significant experience in leading private business, nonprofit and chamber organizations, currently serving as director of operations at Community Action Council of Howard County. She brings to the CMC diverse experience leading regionally-focused business organizations, guiding financial and brand transformations, and successfully advocating for business in local and state arenas.

After managing her own small business and volunteering for the Howard County Chamber of Commerce for several years, she accepted the position of Legislative Affairs Coordinator in 2010. She subsequently the next eight years progressively assuming higher level leadership rolls, such as director of events and vice president.

The selection of Simon comes after an exhaustive six-month, national search, facilitated by the CMC Board & Search Committee, chaired by Sonja Gladwin. “We believe success for chamber members, businesses in Baltimore/Washington Corridor and businesses across greater Maryland, comes from regionally-focused collaboration. Kristi’s exceptional background and experience leading diverse organizations makes her uniquely positioned to represent the chamber membership and the regional business community to realize this success.”